The Mass of the Resurrection or the Liturgy of the Word
The celebration of the Mass of the Resurrection or the Liturgy of the Word is the central liturgical action of the Christian Community at the time of death. This liturgical event calls those who mourn to transform their sorrow by focusing on that which has been taken to that which is now given, namely new life in Christ as shares in his resurrection. As the Vigil focused on the life story and accomplishments of the one who has died, this liturgy focuses on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, without whom their would be no hope in the midst of death’s despair.
The Mass of the Resurrection or the Liturgy of the Word begins with the reception of the mortal remains of the decease accompanied by those who mourn at the entranced church. When receiving a casket which contains the bodily remains, the casket is clothed in the baptismal garment, (Funeral Pall), and the sprinkling with Holy Water. When receiving an Urn which contains the cremated remains, the urn is sprinkled with Holy Water. These actions recall the reception of the deceased into the life of the church and the new relationship with God first established on the day of baptism.
The procession to the altar prepares the gathered community to hear the Word of God proclaimed. In the story of Christ’s life, death and resurrection the promise of eternal life is realized and the power of death begins to loose its hold.
Within the context of the Mass of the Resurrection, the celebration of the Eucharist follows, whereby, the community experiences the transformative power of Christ’s risen glory as bread and wine and changed into the body and blood of he who has conquered all sin and death. Fed by this Eucharistic presence of Christ in the reception of communion, new life is nourished deep within and the truth that life is changed not ended is realized.
At the conclusion of this primary liturgy of the funeral rites, (Mass of the Resurrection/Liturgy of the Word), the community bids farewell to the earthly life of their beloved dead. Central to this conclusion is the Song of the Angels, the Incensing of the Body and the Prayer of Final Commendation. As the community celebrates the acceptance the soul of the deceased into heaven, all is made ready for burial/entombment.
Rite of Committal and burial/entombment
Gathered at the grave or columbarium niche the mourners supported by family, friends and the faith community takes leave of the mortal remains of their beloved dead. As the earthly body is returned to the elements of the earth, the temporal journey is now made complete and Passover from this mortal life to eternal life is fully realized. Faith in the profound belief that life has changed not ended, is the hope and consolation as they who mourn turn toward a new tomorrow.